STATEN ISLAND -- It's an annual tradition -- borough residents and their children flock to Midland Beach to get an up-close look at police cars and emergency vehicles, and to chat with police and law enforcement officials about everything from crime prevention techniques to jump-roping skills.

And this year looks to continue the ritual -- NYPD officials are gearing up for Staten Island's National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

The event will take place between 5 and 9 p.m., at Sea Turtle Circle, between Jefferson and Hunter avenues. It'll feature giveaways, free rides, live entertainment and music, food and drink, an array of emergency vehicles to gawk at, and a free photo ID program for children.

In past years, FBI agents were on hand to talk about their jobs, and kids got the chance to try on authentic Kevlar bullet-proof vests and go home with strips of yellow crime-scene tape.